Andrews University
Department of Behavioral Sciences
ANTH496 Syllabus 2006
Supervised Fieldwork in Anthropology or Archaeology
Field School Version, 1-6 credits
Instructor: Øystein S. LaBianca, Ph.D.
labianca@andrews.edu
Instructor’s Professional Background: Dr. LaBianca is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences. His other duties include serving as graduate programs coordinator for the department and senior director of Andrews’ field-based MSA in International Development. In his capacity as Associate Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Dr. LaBianca conducts anthropological and archaeological fieldwork in Jordan and Palestine . His research examines the causes of instability and collapse of local food systems and the nature of indigenous knowledge in coping with uncertainty and change. His research has been funded by Andrews University , the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Geographic Society.
I. Course Description:
Students may apply to participate as trainees on research projects sponsored either by the Behavioral Sciences Department or the Institute of Archaeology.
II. Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the goals and significance of a particular line of research related to anthropology or archaeology.
- Describe protocols and procedures involved in implementing a particular research project related to anthropology or archaeology.
- Describe best practices in implementing a particular research project related to anthropology or archaeology.
- Discuss lessons learned from experience in implementing a particular research project related to anthropology or archaeology.
- Present documentation, including a research journal, lessons learned essay, and final outcome report related to a particular anthropological or archaeological research project.
III. Methods of Instruction:
Hands-on learning through supervised fieldwork, assigned readings, formal and informal lectures and writing assignments. Instruction normally occurs “in the field” in connection with an Andrews sponsored research project.
IV. Course Requirements:
- Must meet minimum hour requirement: Normally a student should spend 45 hours doing field work for every credit hour of academic credit earned
- Goals and Significance Statement: A brief statement positing goals and significance of proposed fieldwork (1 credit = min 100 words; 2 credits= min 200 words, etc)
- Protocols and Procedure Statement: A brief statement outlining protocols and procedures (methods) to be used in carrying out proposed fieldwork (same formula as above)
- Lessons Learned Essay: A brief essay describing lessons learned in the course of planning and implementing proposed fieldwork (same formula as above)
- Research Journal: By keeping a daily journal the student will be able to keep track of progress on research goals and lessons learned in implementing proposed fieldwork
- Human Subject Review: Where appropriate, due diligence should be followed in making sure human subjects are protected as a result of proposed fieldwork. Students should consult the Office of Scholarly Research regarding protocols for protecting subjects.
V. Grading Standards:
Assignment |
Points |
% |
Minimum hour requirement |
80 |
20 |
Goals and Significance Statement |
80 |
20 |
Protocols and Procedure Statement |
80 |
20 |
Lessons Learned Essay |
80 |
20 |
Research Journal |
80 |
20 |
TOTAL |
400 |
100 |
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
A |
94 – 100 % |
A- |
90 – 93 % |
B+ |
87 – 89 % |
B |
83 – 86 % |
B- |
80 – 82 % |
C+ |
75 – 79 % |
C |
70 – 74 % |
C- |
65 – 69 % |
D |
60 – 64 % |
F |
0 – 59 % |
VI. Assignment Submission:
- Students should be pro-active in completing assignment in a timely manner
- It is the students responsibility to make sure the teacher gets his/her assignment
- Where appropriate, assignments may be submitted to the instructor over the internet
VII. Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to display honesty in all academic matters. Please review the Academic Integrity statement found in the University Bulletin for a complete description of what constitutes academic dishonesty along with the consequences for such academic behavior.
VIII. Textbooks:
There is no required textbook for this course. Readings will be assigned by the instructor to fit the proposed research project.
IX. Course Outline:
May 05 First draft of Goals and Significance Statement due
May 12 First draft of Protocols and Procedure Statement due
May 19 Human Subject Review Protocol Completed and Approved where appropriate
May/June Final drafts of above statements are due on the third day of work in the field
May/June Daily entries in the research journal should start May 05 and continue through June 30
July 15 Lessons Learned Essay due
